Bronze

Bronze plan deductibles — the amount of medical costs you pay yourself before your insurance plan starts to pay — can be thousands of dollars a year.

Good choice if: You want a low-cost way to protect yourself from worst-case medical scenarios, like serious sickness or injury. Your monthly premium will be low, but you’ll have to pay for most routine care yourself.

Silver

Moderate monthly premium.

Moderate costs when you need care.

Silver deductibles — the costs you pay yourself before your plan pays anything — are usually lower than those of Bronze plans.

Good choice if: You qualify for “extra savings” — or, if not, if you’re willing to pay a slightly higher monthly premium than Bronze to have more of your routine care covered.

IMPORTANT: If you qualify for “extra savings” on your deductible, copayment, and coinsurance (sometimes called “cost-sharing reductions”) you must pick a Silver plan to get the extra savings. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year if you use a lot of care.

Gold

Higher monthly premium.

Low costs when you need care

Deductibles — the amount of medical costs you pay yourself before your plan pays — are usually low.

Good choice if: You’re willing to pay more each month to have more costs covered when you get medical treatment. If you use a lot of care, a Gold plan could be a good value.

Platinum

Highest monthly premium.

Lowest costs when you get care.

Deductibles are very low; your plan starts paying its share earlier than for other categories of plans.

Good choice if: You usually use a lot of care and are willing to pay a high monthly premium, knowing nearly all other costs will be covered.

Note: Plans in all categories provide free preventive care, and some offer selected free or discounted services before you meet your deductible.

Your Premium Is Based On Your Income
No matter which metal category you choose, you may save money on your monthly premium based on your income. When you fill out an application, you’ll find out if you qualify for these savings.

Catastrophic Health Plans
Catastrophic health insurance plans have low monthly premiums and a very high deductible — $6,850. They may be an affordable way to protect yourself from worst-case scenarios, like getting seriously sick or injured. You pay most routine medical expenses yourself.

If you’re eligible to buy a Catastrophic plan, you’ll see them displayed when you apply and compare plans in the Marketplace.